ఏనుగ మింగిన వెలగ పండు వలె

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to hide a very obvious mistake or an impossible situation with a clumsy excuse. It refers to the absurdity of doing something difficult (climbing a tall palm tree) and then attempting something impossible or highly visible (swallowing a large iron crowbar) while thinking no one will notice.

This expression is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where one is trapped between two equally difficult or dangerous alternatives. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'between a rock and a hard place.'

This expression is used when a person of good character or noble nature is forced to endure insults, harsh words, or an unpleasant situation. It highlights the contrast between the person's inherent goodness and the bitterness they are currently experiencing.

This expression is used to describe something that appears intact on the outside but is completely hollow or empty on the inside. It originates from the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood apple, the fruit remains whole through the digestive process, but the pulp inside disappears mysteriously. It is often used to refer to sudden losses, empty promises, or wealth that vanishes without a trace.

This expression describes a situation where someone endures extreme pain, hardship, or self-destruction just to save face or uphold their pride/dignity. It is used when a person's ego or reputation forces them to accept a harmful situation without complaining.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or has a huge appetite when it comes to consuming resources or food, but becomes completely useless, lazy, or inactive when it is time to do any work.

This proverb highlights that certain arrival events, such as the birth of a child or the purchase/arrival of livestock, are seen as significant markers of fate. It is used to describe how the timing of these events is often associated with the subsequent prosperity or misfortunes that befall a family, suggesting that the 'auspiciousness' of their arrival time influences the household's future.

This proverb refers to a situation where something appears whole on the outside but is completely empty or hollow inside. It originates from the myth that when an elephant eats a wood-apple (Velagapandu), the pulp is digested through the shell, leaving the fruit looking intact but empty when it passes through. It is used to describe wasted efforts, lost opportunities, or things that have lost their internal substance despite outward appearances.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unexpected or unnecessary additional expense occurs at a time when one is already spending heavily, typically during a celebration or crisis. It signifies the burden of 'wasteful' costs added to already high costs.

This expression refers to something that appears intact on the outside but is completely empty or hollow on the inside. It is based on the folk belief that when an elephant swallows a wood-apple whole, the fruit's pulp is digested through the shell, leaving the exterior perfectly whole while the inside becomes empty. It is used to describe deceptive appearances or loss of substance.